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06/20/2018

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Monday, released the Drug Use Prevention Education Resource Guide aimed at helping schools implement effective drug use prevention programming. It was released at a news conference that was held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland.

The guide builds on the 2017 report that said Ohio schools should provide consistent, age-appropriate, evidence-based substance-use prevention education for all students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

“We heard from many teachers and school administrators who agreed with the need for drug use prevention and requested guidance on how to best implement the recommendations in their schools,” DeWine said in a statement. “This guide is designed to lead teachers and administrators through a strategic planning process where they can tailor a comprehensive prevention plan to fit their school and community’s unique needs, and provides examples from schools across Ohio.”

Beginning in the fall, the Ohio Attorney General’s office will hold regional trainings for superintendents and their designees on using the guide to implement prevention programming.

The committee issued its initial report in February 2017 after conducting meetings across the state, reviewing testimony, and performing research. The committee issued 15 recommendations that schools and communities can take to reduce and help prevent substance abuse.

The Ohio Joint Study Committee on Drug Use Prevention is made up of 24 members from across the state, including teachers, superintendents, substance-use prevention experts, elected officials, law enforcement officers, and other professionals. The committee was charged with examining how communities can implement consistent, age-appropriate drug messaging, particularly in schools.